[Ilugc] [ILuG-C] Microsoft Office on Linux
- From: lawgon@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (kenneth gonsalves)
- Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:27:30 +0530
On Mon, 2012-01-09 at 14:24 +0530, Yogesh wrote:
Meaning : We are not interested who pirates propitiatory software
Neither am I. But no one can do anything about it. I'm just saying
that's what happens. Current state of affairs. I'm not giving software
piracy my approval. I'm merely stating things as they are.
I am afraid you have not understood the issue. A few points:
1. Most users do not own the computers they work on. They operate
computers owned by their employers. So they do not have a choice over
the software. If they are lucky to work with TNEB, they get to use
linux. This covers the vast majority of students and employees in bigger
enterprises. It also covers the vast majority of programmers. (and
probably most of the members of this list). For these people, the
software is paid for, so 'piracy' is not an issue.
2. Some people have computers of their own. The vast majority are not
aware that they have a choice of operating systems. This ignorance is
created by a carefully planned and well financed campaign by Microsoft.
Microsoft realises that this sector is not the main revenue generating
sector for it and so it encourages piracy. In their view it is better if
the users use pirated windows than use linux. All dealers are instructed
to try and sell legal software, failing which they are told to install
450 rupees windows. I recently bought a laptop which came with linpus
linux, and had to fight with the dealer to prevent him from installing a
'real' OS for 450 rupees. Microsoft does not raid individuals and
concerns below a certain size. It also turns a blind eye to smaller
training institutes. Most people are not even aware that they are using
illegal software.
3. There are a few people who are aware that they are using illegal
software. They belong in jail. (they are also the loudest proponents of
the idea that windows is better than linux).
--
regards
Kenneth Gonsalves
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